CAD Data Interoperability & Visualization Enhance Manufacturing

Collaboration is crucial in the manufacturing industry. From design to delivery, companies at every stage of the product lifecycle must work together smoothly. Computer-aided design (CAD) models can maximize efficiency, serving as a universal information source across various business processes.

The more complex manufacturing becomes, the more individuals and working groups need access to CAD data. Here, visualization technologies offer flexibility, independence, and an array of tools at a fraction of standard CAD licenses.

While large and small companies have distinct needs, manufacturing collaborators still have common tasks. For example, they use redline & markup capabilities, with full traceability. Or they may convert data into neutral file formats. Kisters is experienced with data readiness. The 3DViewStation product family is designed to meet the broad spectrum of product data interoperability needed for collaboration. In particular I’ll address the diversity of IT systems, company-specific processes, format and device flexibility.

A Complex IT Landscape

Over the years we’ve seen a variety of CAD systems to create product data. The systems vary in design, release cycles, and configurations – creating a complex landscape of IT tools and platforms. Large companies might standardize using a single CAD system, but their suppliers often work with multiple platforms to meet client demands. Other technical challenges include differing functions offered by different systems, and the number of collaborators needed to accomplish specific tasks.

Data sharing methods vary as well, especially with concerns over IP protection and cybersecurity. Larger companies tend to rely on PLM systems, with neutral data formats that integrate across their processes. On the other hand, small- and medium-sized enterprises may use native CAD formats and organize files via complex folder structures and naming conventions.

Furthermore, the data processed by these systems varies in scale. Information may range from small files for individual components to massive datasets for entire assemblies. One consistent trend we see is the rapid growth of data volume.

Custom Functionality

Many companies also employ specialized sub-processes to effectively manage CAD data. For instance, marketing teams require high-resolution images directly generated from CAD data whereas technical documentation teams need 2D illustrations derived from 3D models. 3DViewStation provides tools to prepare CAD data, generate exploded views, and create visuals or illustrations relevant to each group. The visuals can then be shared through copy and paste or exported into other formats as needed.

The Kisters visualization software excels at maintaining data quality during file exchange. Users have the ability to read a wide range of formats. They can also perform geometric comparisons between original and converted data. For downstream processes, export to 2D- and 3D-PDF formats to enable inheriting views and product manufacturing information (PMI). Easily communicate complex product information clearly and efficiently.

Flexibility Across Formats and Enterprises

While 3D PDF is often seen as a monolithic data format, 3DViewStation allows for much greater flexibility. Users can load assemblies with individual components or sub-components from 3D PDF files, making it easier to work with complex datasets. This flexibility is especially valuable for SMEs, where desktop solutions and adaptability are often critical for daily operations

Key to 3DViewStation is the ability to work with multiple data formats. Companies are no longer locked into a single proprietary format. Users can rapidly read the JT format, as well as read and write JT, 3D PDF, and STEP files. This single tool offers the versatility to analyze both 3D PDF and native CAD data.

Consistently updated, the Kisters platform stays current with the latest developments in CAD data formats and standards. Moreover, companies have the option to use a web-browser or workstation user interface to optimize their workflows and scale to their IT capabilities. 3DViewStation WebViewer provides the same powerful visualization capabilities as 3DViewStation Desktop, enabling users to access and share data from any device, anywhere, without the fuss over software updates.

Innovation for Every Business

By providing fast, reliable access to accurate data, Kisters 3DViewStation helps companies streamline collaboration. At the core of its value is the ability to achieve deep data integration, reduce errors, and accelerate product development. In short, to drive innovation in the manufacturing process.

CAD visualization tools like Kisters 3DViewStation enable seamless product data interoperability across different collaborators. From web to desktop to virtual reality, the product family is developed closely with large enterprises, family-owned businesses, and SMEs in between.

Beyond innovative tools, collaboration is about understanding partners who help you drive success. Kisters offers solutions to overcome restrictive data formats and support today’s workflows yet remains flexible to adapt to your evolving needs.

In today’s complex and lean manufacturing environment, Kisters provides CAD visualization tools and product data flexibility that meets the needs of businesses of all sizes to succeed in a competitive market.

KISTERS will exhibit at the Global Product Data Interoperability Summit (GPDIS) in Phoenix, Ariz. Sep. 23-26. On Sept. 24 Germar Nikol will speak about achieving utltra-fast and feature-rich visualization for model-based enterprises (MBE). Connect with us at Booth 14.